Don’t meddle in our political affairs, Karim tells peninsula parties
KUCHING: Peninsula-based parties such as Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) should refrain from ‘meddling’ in Sarawak’s political affairs, said state Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
He said these new political parties ought to learn from Umno which had for years left the administration of the state to local-based parties.
“Malaysia practises democracy. Political parties that are registered have the right to expand and politicise anywhere in the country. But those who are involved in politics including Perikatan Nasional (PN) Sarawak, they must understand the sentiments of the people of Sarawak,” he told a press conference here yesterday.
The Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice-president was asked to comment on a recent statement by Bersatu Sarawak chief Senator Jaziri Alkaf Abdillah Suffian that PN’s presence in Sarawak was to strengthen the position of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
Bersatu Sarawak considers itself an ally of GPS at the statelevel because they are part of the federal administration. Two Sarawak MPs – Datuk Ali Biju and Datuk Willie Mongin – are in Bersatu, with the former also Krian assemblyman.
“You have to understand why GPS was formed and what are the sentiments of Sarawakians.
They want to be on their own; they want a Sarawak party that is going to look after Sarawak.
“That is why we will not support other parties from Peninsular Malaysia even though in Parliament, we are supportive of them. We are not part of PN, but we are friendly with PN,” Abdul Karim stressed.
He reiterated that the formation of the current federal government was a partnership between PN and GPS.
“It is not PN inside GPS. What was said by Jaziri that we (GPS) are part of the PN coalition in Peninsular Malaysia so therefore we can be part of PN Sarawak, no.
“We are partners in the formation of the Malaysian government partly because we want to see a stable government. We want to see stability because at that time, the situation was volatile and the economy and livelihood of the people were disrupted further with the presence of Covid-19.
“That is why we are supporting PN. But this does not mean that in Sarawak we are going to accept them just like that.”
Abdul Karim said GPS welcomes PN as a friend but if the parties under the PN were to suddenly set up liaison offices in Sarawak, GPS will become suspicious of their motive.
“What do you (PN Sarawak) want? And after this, are you going to tell us that you want some (state) seats?” He urged parties under PN Sarawak to “learn from Umno” which has shown its respect in leaving Sarawak-based parties to administer the state.
“We were able to tell Umno for many years not to come to Sarawak and in that respect, we respect Umno. So PN or any new parties such as Bersatu, Amanah and so on, learn from that. Don’t split us up,” he said.